This juicy pan-fried chicken is great for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. This quick cooking method leaves the chicken crispy on the outside but still juicy on the inside. Because of its simple flavor profile this chicken is one of my most used recipes. This pan fried chicken can stand alone or can be added to pasta, rice, a burrito or even a salad! The possibilities are endless.
One of my favorite pairings for this pan-fried chicken with creamy Mexican spaghetti (espagueti rojo)
Why This Recipe Works
Quick Cook Time – Cooking chicken doesn’t get much faster than this! The key is to butterfly your chicken breast into even size and thickness (approximately) or pound it into evenly thin pieces.
Simple Flavor Profile – I like to keep the seasoning simple; the whole point is … we’re doing a quick pan fry so I just use Dash original with salt and pepper or if I want a little smokey kick, I’ll use my carne asada seasoning (any brand will work). The chicken comes out flavorful and juicy, never boring or bland. However, these basic ingredients play well with other herbs, spices or even a sauce. Use your favorite meat seasoner.
Easy to Make Ahead or Double – I will often cook a double batch so that I can use the leftovers to make a completely new dish. This is a great time saver and makes it easy to grab and go your protein for a lunch!
Ingredients You'll Need
Chicken – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this quick recipe but you can also use chicken thighs or tenderloins. I butterfly or cut them in half horizontally so that the cooking time is even and quick.
Avocado Oil – After you flip your chicken, I drizzle a tiny bit of oil around the chicken edges to ensure the second side will get equally golden.
Salt and Pepper – I usually just add a couple of shakes of salt and pepper to each side of the chicken. You can always add as much or as little as you like
Dash Original – This is my preferred grab and go spice that I add to most dishes. For me it has the perfect amount of herbs and spices without adding additional salt.
How to Make 10 Minute Juicy Pan-Fried Chicken
Cut chicken breast in half horizontally (through the widest part) until you are almost all the way through. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Dash Original Seasoning. You can adjust depending on your preference.
Heat the pan. Coat the bottom of a nonstick pan with avocado oil and put over medium to medium high heat. You want the oil hot enough that the chicken sizzles immediately when it hits the pan.
Cook: Gently lay the chicken breast in your pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Make sure to not overcrowd your pan or the chicken will not cook quickly and evenly.
After you flipped your chicken, drizzle a tiny bit of oil around the chicken edges to ensure the second side will get equally golden. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Rest: Add a splash of water and cover with a lid. Let rest for about 5 minutes. The steam helps keep the chicken from drying out and allows the chicken to soak up any seasons left in the pan.
Pro Tip
Do not over crowd the pan. While you may be tempted to put all your chicken in the pan at once; Do not do it. Overcrowding slows the cooking time and does not allow your chicken to get evenly golden and crispy. It is faster to cook in smaller batches.
What to Pair with 10 Minute Juicy Pan-Fried Chicken
10 Minute Juicy Pan-Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 tbsp Dash Original Seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1/2 cup Avocado Oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally or gently pound them to about ½-inch thickness.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Dash Original Seasoning
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat
- Pan-fry: Carefully place the chicken in the pan. Cook for about 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness
- After you flip your chicken, drizzle a tiny bit of oil around the chicken edges. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be golden brown
- Rest: Add a splash of water and cover with a lid. Let rest for about 5 minutes
